New Experiments on the Sensitization of Zinc Oxide by Means of the Electrochemical Cell Technique

Abstract

The “formal quantum yield” of the sensitization of the anodic photocurrent of zinc oxide by Rhodamine B has been determined by means of an electrochemical cell technique. Zinc oxide was used as a single crystal in the electrochemical cell in aqueous and methanol electrolytes. Simultaneously, the adsorption of the dye on zinc oxide powder has been measured. The influence of the solvent on the extent of the adsorption is significant. The important role of the cosensitizer on the sensitizing ability of the dye is discussed.